Shadow Fight Arena news & patch notes

Do what you do the best — fight and win battles, and April will fill her secret little book with priceless observations. Participate in event activities and earn rewards!

This time, the spotlight is on Midnight’s new epic skin: “Sinister's Ball Swan”!

“Neutralization” ability:

• Azuma's successful attacks put Neutralization on the opponent, temporarily prohibiting them from using shadow energy → Azuma's successful attacks accumulate charges of Neutralization. With 4 charges, Azuma applies Neutralization to his opponent, preventing them from using shadow energy.

“Consequence Management” ability:

• A successful attack against the opponent will knock them out of shadow form, dealing bonus damage → The application of Neutralization knocks the enemy out of their shadow form.

Spinning attack:

• Animation changed.

Lower attack:

• Startup reduced;

• Reaction upon blocking adjusted.

Heavy attack:

• Startup reduced.

Upper attack:

• Startup reduced;

• Block pushback distance increased;

• Reaction upon successful attack adjusted.

“Precise Lunge” shadow ability:

• Startup reduced;

• Dash speed reduced.

“Shadow Blast” shadow ability:

• Startup reduced.

“Naginata Flight” shadow ability:

• Naginata’s flight trajectory changed.

“Long-term Neutralization” talent:

• Changed to the “Shadow Suppression” talent;

• The more shadow energy the opponent has, the more damage Azuma deals with regular and shadow Naginata attacks.

“Painful Neutralization” talent:

• Changed to the “Radical Neutralization” talent;

• A Neutralized opponent takes increased shadow damage.

“Shadow Suppression” talent:

• Changed to the “Suppressing Explosion” talent; 

• Azuma enters shadow form with an explosion, that causes Neutralization.

“Shadow Burn” talent:

• Changed to the “Intensive Treatment” talent;

• The application of Neutralization infuses Azuma's kunai with shadow energy. This ranged attack now deals shadow damage.

“Suppressing Explosion” talent:

• Changed to the “Impulse” talent;

• Azuma gains a new Shadow Ability. Shadow form duration is increased.

“Countermeasures” talent:

• Changed to the “Precision and Efficiency” talent;

• The application of Neutralization requires 1 less charge.

“Impulse” talent:

• Changed to the “Sustainable Neutralization” talent;

• Each new Neutralization on the opponent lasts longer than the previous one.

“Total Neutralization” talent:

• Changed to the “Painful Neutralization” talent;

• The application of Neutralization deals shadow damage.

“Lockdown” talent:

• Changed to the “Double Dose” talent;

• Ranged attack launches two kunai instead of one.

“Transfusion” epic weapon:

• Effectiveness increased.

Defense: 133 → 126

Dev note:

Azuma had several abilities that made him exceedingly oppressive against heroes reliant on shadow energy, but also quite weak otherwise.

His talents were also lacking in flexibility: some talents’ effects had anti-synergy with one another which led to Azuma’s builds being very rigid.

These changes are aimed at improving Azuma’s power level against heroes who don’t use shadow energy and bringing some variety in his talent builds while preserving the character’s core strengths.

“Facing the Fear” talent:

• The attack’s bonus damage increased.

“Arrow of Hou Yi” talent:

• Cooldown reduced;

• Damage increased.

Lower attack:

• First hit’s damage increased.

“Shadow Respite” talent:

• Effectiveness reduced.

Upper attack:

• Damage reduced.

General changes

Legionnaires’ heavy kick:

• Attack interval duration increased;

• The player regains control sooner;

• Damage increased.

The guests at the somber ball whirl around in a waltz, oblivious to their ranks dwindling around them — one by one, quietly and unnoticed, like candles fading at the break of dawn.

Participate in the event’s roulette for a chance to add “Nocturne” to your arsenal!

This season's Fight Pass features a new skin for Marcus: “Meridian Watcher”! Also awaiting you are Lynx’s victory pose, “Elusive Nonconformist”, and a Dynasty-themed phrase pack!

Ironclad’s legendary skin, along with new effects, revamped voiceover, an exclusive stance, and an epic weapon, is now available!

Lots of brave warriors believed that they can find the labyrinth’s exit before the enraged beast catches up to them. Can you...? 🐂

- “Arena’s Myths and Legends” event has started — available now through May 26th;

- Added a new “Golden Labyrinth” roulette, which can be accessed until June 4th. Don’t miss your chance to unlock Ironclad’s new legendary skin;

- Added a new legendary “Ironclad, The Gold-Blooded Beast” skin along with its epic “Dead End and Wrong Turn” weapon;

- Added a new epic “Secret Passage” stance;

- Added a new emote;

- Fixed a bug that prevented Cobra from blocking all sources of the opponent’s healing via her “Pernicious Toxin” talent.

In previous updates:

- Implemented balance changes: Nonna has been nerfed, while Jack Bulwark and Xiang Tzu have received some buffs. You can read the full list of changes here:

- Added a new collection of rare weapons: “Labor Prowess” for Marcus, “Pile Drivers” for Sarge, “Reliable Contractor” for Lord Gideon, “Spark of Diligence” for Helga, and “Fair Leader” for Nonna;

- Added content for the new Fight Pass season — complete the pass to get your hands on Fireguard’s new epic “Delta Mantis” skin along with his epic “Forced Update” stance, as well as Sarge’s “Locomotive” taunt;

- Added June’s new seasonal skin: “Haunted Princess”;

- Fixed a visual bug with Cobra’s “Flawless Ringleader” skin;

- Fixed some of Lord Gideon’s attack hitboxes;

- Fixed a bug that allowed Azuma with “Total Neutralization” talent selected to block alternative energies’ gain;

- Fixed a bug that caused some characters’ attacks to be interrupted by June in her Chaos phase if she received damage from her own Meteorite.

Upper attack:

• The player regains control later;

• Unbreakability interval reduced.

“Ancient Fury” talent:

• Fire Spirits no longer deal critical damage.

“True Shape” ability:

• Flames gain across all sources reduced;

• Unbreakability interval starts later when entering the Flame form.

“Fire Grip” ability:

• The player regains control later;

• Unbreakability interval starts later;

• Unbreakability interval reduced.

Dev note:

We’re nerfing the hero to adjust their win ratio. 

Upper attack:

• Block pushback distance increased;

• Opponent’s reaction when blocking changed.

Lower attack:

• Block pushback distance increased.

Dev note:

These attacks were too risky to perform on Jack Bulwark. We’re making this changes to make his move set more powerful and diverse.

“Adrenaline in the Blood” ability:

• Adrenaline decay speed reduced.

“Adrenalin Trace” talent:

• Effectiveness increased.

“All or Nothing” talent:

• Damage received by Xiang Tzu reduced;

• Burn damage increased.

“Cycle of Rage” talent:

• Effectiveness increased.

Dev note:

We’re buffing the hero to adjust their win ratio. 

Сomplete the pass to get your hands on Fireguard’s new epic “Delta Mantis” skin along with his epic “Forced Update” stance, as well as Sarge’s “Locomotive” taunt!

Three experiments — one weapon! Not to mention that you can choose your desired form at the start of each round! Behold our first legendary weapon — “The Abomination”! Turn the Shadow Tournament into your very own slaughterhouse!

The Butcher's legendary weapon comes with three distinct forms. By choosing one at the start of a round, you can perfectly adapt your playstyle to counter your opponent. Each form unlocks unique attacks for the Butcher!

The “Diabolic Playtime” event and a brand new legendary weapon for Butchers are in the game right now! Saw, chop, crush!🔪

- Added a new “Good Cause” marathon — a portion of the profits will be donated to restoration of natural habitats of dugongs and cockatoos in East Timor;

- Added a new Lord Gideon emote;

- Added a new “Earth Day” phrase pack;

- Now the attack that inflicts lethal damage has its full damage displayed instead of the part equal to the opponent’s remaining health;

- Removed the infinite combo that was possible when using the “Rot Slicers” form of Butcher’s legendary “The Abomination” weapon;

- Fixed the weapons’ attributes increase functionality when switching legendary weapon’s form in Story mode;

- Fixed a bug that caused status effects that persist throughout the rounds to be cleansed when selecting the form of the legendary weapon.

In previous updates:

- Added a new weapon rarity — Legendary;

- Added Butcher’s legendary “The Abomination” weapon;

- Added a new Arsenal chest

- Added Nonna’s epic “End to the Monarchy!” victory pose, which will soon be available in the in-game shop for a limited time;

- Added Yunlin’s rare “Timid Blush” skin;

- Now Butcher has clear visual indication of his invulnerability when summoning his Cage

- Fixed a bug that in some cases caused the UI to display healing numbers that were different from actual health restored;

- Fixed a bug that allowed Itu’s “Spacetime Slash” shadow ability to be dodged by rolling forward and phasing through him;

- Fixed the hitbox for the first hit of Butcher’s special attack - now it should reflect the animation more accurately;

- Now the attack that inflicts lethal damage has its full damage displayed instead of the part equal to the opponent’s remaining health;

- Fixed a bug that caused quest progress to track incorrectly for Sarge, Midnight, Butcher and Cobra;

- Fixed Azuma’s “Shadow Suppression” talent so that it works in cases when the opponent starts the round with a full shadow energy bar;

- Implemented visual fixes to Nonna’s “Hot Heart, Cold Drink” stance;

- Implemented visual fixes to Cobra’s idle lobby animation;

- Fixed the background of the “Northern Village” location.

In this season of Fight Pass, you will find a new Butcher skin - "Fishmonger"! Also waiting you: Lord Gideon stance "Virtuoso", Butcher phrase pack and a pose chest!

As part of our ongoing efforts to increase match pacing and reduce the dominance of overly passive playstyles, we’re bringing back a fan-favorite corrective system: Neutralization Of Static Engagements (N.O.S.E.) for another round of testing, alongside our new groundbreaking technology: Wide-ranging Inactivity Guard (W.I.G.).

- Added content for the new Fight Pass season. Get ready to unlock Butcher’s new epic “Fishmonger” skin, Lord Gideon’s rare “Virtuoso” stance and Butcher-themed rare “Insatiable” phrase pack;

- Added a new seasonal “Haunted Champion” skin for Raikichi.

In the last update:

- “Blossom Festival” event has started — available now through April 7th;

- Added a new epic “Warrior of the Blooming Tree” skin for Helga;

- Added new rare weapons: Fireguard’s “Blossoming Intelligence”, Ironclad’s “Blossoming Recklessness”, Itu’s “Blossoming Omniscience”, Ling’s “Blossoming Proficiency” and Midnight’s “Blossoming Elusiveness”;

- Fixed a bug that allowed Raikichi to deal Thunder and Lightning damage with his regular attacks.

🌸 Festive atmosphere and cherry trees — Blossom Festival is returning to the game, and Helga picked out just the right outfit for the occasion!

⚔️ Fireguard, Itu, Ironclad and other heroes have received spring blossom weapons as part of the new event.

Enjoy the floating sakura petals and the first warmth!

- Implemented balance changes: Butcher’s new talent, Sarge nerfs and Widow buffs. You can find the full list of changes in our blog:- Fixed a bug that prevented Nonna from gaining Wolf Fire Spirit charges when performing True Shape attacks;

- Fixed a bug that caused Raikichi to get excessive Sparks when blocking an attack with his enhanced Shield;

- Fixed a bug that caused Helga to break free from King of the Legion’s “Harrowing Chains” shadow ability if he took damage from Helga’s “Light in the Shadows” talent.

In the last update:

- Fixed a bug that caused a frozen opponent to incorrectly react to certain attacks;

- Fixed a bug that caused Jack Bulwark and his opponent to suddenly move across the map if the opponent rolled back after Jack Bulwark successfully performed his “Slam and Crash” shadow ability;

- Fixed visual bugs that affected “Epochal Monolith” and “Crystal Sculptor” victory poses;

- Fixed a bug that allowed players to bypass the cooldown when spamming basic kicks on heroes with no special kick;

- Fixed a bug that caused Shang the Monk’s ranged weapon to fire even if its animation was interrupted.

Butcher’s new talent, Sarge nerfs and Widow buffs — all of that is waiting for you in the upcoming balance patch!

Basic attack:

• Unbreakability interval begins sooner during the second hit.

Heavy attack:

• Unbreakability interval begins sooner.

Special attack:

• First hit’s startup time reduced;

• Added an unbreakability interval to the second hit.

Lower attack:

• Attack interval begins sooner, although the animation remains unchanged.

“Cattle Cage” ability:

• Invincibility interval begins sooner;

• Changed the opponent’s reaction upon hitting Butcher when he’s summoning the Cage. 

New “Severe Dismemberment” talent:

• Each successful weapon attack makes you Gorging. This effect reduces the enemy's maximum health and increases yours. A successful Hook throw triggers Gorging several times at once.

“Dismemberment” talent:

• Talent removed. Animation has been implemented in base Special attack.

Dev note:

Buffed the hero in order to adjust their win ratio. Butcher had several lackluster attacks and abilities that were overdue for changes.

Critical hits:

• Reduced the chance to randomly deal critical damage.

Shadow energy gain:

• Shadow energy gain for hitting the opponent’s block reduced;

• Shadow energy gain for successfully hitting the opponent reduced.

Dev note:

Sarge had an exceedingly high chance to deal random critical damage which had great synergy with his kit, but also felt like an unfair advantage when facing him. These changes should adjust Sarge’s win ratio while also making battles against him feel more fair.

Heavy attack:

• Added a second attack interval;

• Damage increased.

Basic attack:

• Second hit’s startup time reduced;

• Second hit’s distance increased;

• Third hit’s startup time reduced.

• Third hit’s distance increased.

Spinning attack:

• Startup time reduced;

• Distance covered before attacking increased.

“Sanguine Silk” ability:

• Widow restores more health for herself;

• Charge gain for hitting the opponent’s block reduced;

• Charge gain for successfully hitting the opponent reduced.

“Malevolent Love” talent:

• Effectiveness increased.

Dev note:

Buffed the hero in order to adjust their win ratio. 

“April’s Experiments” event has begun! Nonna is about to put her victims in the ground with the Skald’s primal rage!

- “April’s Experiments” event has started — available now through March 17th;

- Added Nonna’s new epic “Skald of Death” skin;

- Adjusted some of existing loading screens, as well as added several new ones;

- Fixed a bug that prevented the player from gaining shadow energy when receiving attacks from Nonna’s Fire Spirits or True Shape;

- Fixed a bug that caused the game to crash when Kibo’s ranged attack animation was interrupted by the opponent’s hit;

- Fixed a bug that prevented Marcus’ talent “Power through Pain” from granting an attribute increase if he was attacked right after activating his “Through the Glitch” ability;

- Various minor improvements and fixes.

In previous updates:

- Added content for the new Fight Pass season: Xiang Tzu’s epic “Rakshasa Fighter” skin, Nonna’s rare “Hot Heart, Cold Drink” stance and Butcher’s rare “Come At Me!” taunt;

- Added Kate’s new seasonal “Sovereign of Duty” skin;

- Fixed Yunlin’s attribute increases on levels 5 and 13;

- Fixed a bug that prevented Yunlin’s “Replenishing Melody” from hitting her opponent if they were getting up;

- Fixed a bug that sometimes caused the hero to use a spinning attack instead of a back throw.

In this season of Fight Pass, you will find a new Xiang Tzu’s epic “Rakshasa Fighter” skin, Nonna’s rare “Hot Heart, Cold Drink” stance and Butcher’s rare “Come At Me!” taunt

ːarena_logoː Trading cards, badges and profile backgrounds are now available for Shadow Fight Arena!

Trading Cards

Play Shadow Fight Arena and receive trading cards.

Collect a full set to craft a game badge and earn profile rewards.

You can:

• craft badges

• trade cards with other players

• sell them on the Steam Market

Badges

Craft badges using complete card sets and level them up.

Each badge level grants:

• Steam profile XP

• emoticons

• profile backgrounds

Profile Backgrounds & Emoticons

Decorate your profile with the spirit of the Shadow World:

• set profile backgrounds featuring your favorite heroes

• use themed emoticons in Steam chats

Customize your Steam profile using items from the Shadow world and show everyone what you’re fighting for!

Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse and take part in festive activities in Arena!

During this event, you have the opportunity to get the new Epic Hong-Joo skin along with other unique rewards!

Happy Lunar New Year, and may fortune smile upon you!

- Implemented balance changes: we’ve removed random critical hits from kicks, buffed Yunlin and nerfed Itu. Find out all the details in our blog: - “Lunar New Year” event has started — available now through March 3rd; - Added a new epic “Turquoise Wetlands Croaker” skin for Hong-Joo; - Added a new rare weapons collection: Xiang Tzu’s “Madman’s Firecrackers”, Hong-Joo’s “Jester’s Sparklers”, and Yunlin’s “Musician’s Flare”; - Fixed a bug that caused the “Find” button for customization items in hero library to be unavailable or not work correctly; - Fixed a visual bug with Cobra’s idle animation: bubblegum now correctly disappears instead of floating in the air; - Fixed minor visual glitches with idle animations of Yukka and Kate; - Fixed a bug that caused King of the Legion’s “Nightmare” talent to stop working after exiting shadow form; - Fixed a visual bug that incorrectly triggered critical hit VFX when performing Midnight’s “Removal” shadow ability with the “For the Chancellor” talent equipped; - Fixed several issues with controls for PC version.

In the last update:

- Added Emperor’s epic “Taste of a Life Lost” victory pose; - Added lobby idle animations for Kate, Lynx, Yukka and Cobra; - Added more items to customization chests. Skins added to the costume chest: Widow’s “Witch of Grievous Tears”, Marcus’ “Bugmarcus..?”, Xiang Tzu’s “Hero of All Trades”, Shang’s “Widow’s Chosen”, Azuma’s “Restrainer of Depths”, Sarge’s “Legion’s Frost Shield”, Jack Bulwark’s “Blue Baron”, June’s “Star Whisperer”, Itu’s “Stargazer” and Butcher’s “Wasp’s Quartermaster”. Weapons added to the weapons chest: Butcher’s “Minions of Gluttony” and Lord Gideon’s “Frida the Fire Worshiper”. Animations added to the pose chest — stances: Lord Gideon’s “Care of Essentials”, Butcher’s “Nightmare Catcher”, Azuma’s “A Good Heart”; victory poses: Cobra’s “Money Tree”, universal “Here Comes the Fun”; universal taunts: “Jump Rope”, “Dust and Disappointment”, “Sending Love”, “Confidence in Victory”; - Fixed visual glitches in King of the Legion’s “Epochal Monolith” victory pose; - Fixed a bug that sometimes caused Lord Gideon’s voicelines to overlap; - Fixed a visual bug in the universal “Festive Feeling” victory pose: it’s snowing once again; - Fixed a bug that prevented Itu from using the bow when fighting boss Yunlin in chapter 7 of story mode.

We’ve removed random critical hits from kicks, buffed Yunlin and nerfed Itu! The new balance update is now available!

Lower attack:

• Changed the second hit’s trajectory: its distance is shorter now.

“Time Manipulation” ability:

• Charge gained for blocked hits reduced;

• Charge gained for successful hits reduced;

• If Itu is attacked right when the “Time Manipulation” starts, the opponent’s animation speed will briefly be equal to Itu’s, after which it will slow down as usual.

“Spacetime Slash” shadow ability:

• If this ability is interrupted by an attack, Itu will not gain shadow energy for a short while.

Dev note:

These changes are intended to nerf “Time Manipulation”. Previously experienced players could activate the ability a couple of frames before receiving an attack, which would not cancel the Manipulation but still give Itu a massive advantage. 

“Replenishing Melody” shadow ability:

• The player regains control earlier after missing;

• Startup is now faster;

• The ability’s hitbox has been widened.

Shadow energy gain:

• Energy gained on receiving blocked hits reduced.

Level 5 attributes increase:

• 10 defense → 15 defense;

• 5 attack;

• 5 shadow power.

Level 13 attributes increase:

• 15 defense → 10 defense;

• 5 attack;

• 5 shadow power.

“Greedy Companions” rare weapon:

• Effectiveness reduced.

Lower attack:

• Xiang Tzu will be moved further away from a cornered opponent after performing a successful lower attack in Rampage now.

General

Critical hits:

• Kicks cannot randomly deal critical damage now.

Dev note:

We want to reduce random critical hits’ impact on the overall game experience and the outcome of the matches.

Nonna, the Leader of the Northern Legion, has acquired a new epic weapon!

Take part in the “Return of the Hearth” event for a chance to add Sindri's Legacy to your arsenal!

- A new “Return of the Hearth” event has started — available now through February 17;

- Added a new epic “Sindri’s Legacy” weapon for Nonna;

- Fixed a bug that prevented locked heroes’ drop chances from displaying when viewing chests’ total drop chances; 

- Fixed several bugs regarding Sarge’s “Will Suppression”;

- Fixed a bug that caused Midnight to interrupt her opponent’s victory pose if she was defeated by damage over time effects while performing the “Removal” shadow ability;

- Fixed a bug that prevented Cobra with the epic “Goldfang Extravagant” weapon from spawning a Serpentoxin cloud via the “Persistent Diffusion” talent if “Chargebite” was used simultaneously with the talent taking effect;

- Wolf Spirit charge progress is no longer retained between rounds in Story mode;

- Reduced healing effectiveness for Nonna’s “Heart of the Pack” talent in Story mode;

- Reduced max HP gain effectiveness for Nonna’s “Runes of Ash” talent in Story mode;

- Reduced Nonna’s Fire energy gain in Story mode;

- Reduced Raikichi’s level 1 shield effectiveness in Story mode.

In this season of Fight Pass, you will find a new Azuma skin - "Magma Driller" along with Marcus stance "Proper Care" and Ironclad phrase pack "Jaw-dropping"!

- Added content for the new Fight Pass season. You’ll soon be able to get your hands on a new epic “Magma Driller” skin for Azuma, a new epic “Proper Care” stance for Marcus and a rare “Jaw-Dropping” phrase pack;

- Added a new seasonal skin for Butcher — “Sovereign of Cruelty”;

- Added in-combat voicelines for Lord Gideon, Widow, June and Xiang Tzu;

- Implemented minor changes to the seasonal shop – starting with the next ranked season, there will be a new reward slot, and all currently available rewards’ order will be adjusted;

- Nonna’s shards can now be obtained via shard chests;

- Fixed a bug that prevented Ironclad with Story mode fight bonus “Return to Sender” equipped from deflecting boss Yunlin’s ranged attacks in Chapter 7;

- Fixed a bug that caused several attacks and shadow abilities to incorrectly play out their animations if they triggered King of the Legion’s “Dark Incarnation”;

- Fixed a bug that caused Midnight’s “Shadow Shift” to be too short against certain heroes;

- Fixed a bug that caused Nonna’s ranged attack that has been deflected by Itu’s “Yadomejutsu” talent to deal no damage.

In previous updates:

- Added Raikicki’s new epic “Beatdown Rehearsal” stance;

- Added a new epic “Temporal Core” weapon for Jack Bulwark;

- Made small visual improvements for the “Northern Village” location;

- Fixed a bug that caused players to go out of bounds if King of the Legion’s “Dark Incarnation” was triggered by Cobra’s heavy attack from afar;

- Fixed a bug that caused the camera to go beyond the location’s bounds when playing Monkey King’s epic “Crystal Sculptor” victory pose;

- Fixed the “Hide UI” button in match replays — now healthbars will be hidden correctly;

- Fixed a bug that allowed Monkey King to deal increased ranged attack damage when cast in close proximity to the opponent if the legendary “Monkey King, The Crystal’s Voice” skin is equipped;

- Fixed a bug that caused Nonna to become invisible if she was defeated by damage over time effects while performing a True Shape attack;

- Fixed a bug that prevented the “Buffalo Sigil” fight bonus from increasing Nonna’s max health if she had the “Runes of Ash” talent equipped;

- Now all finisher talents work correctly against Xiang Tzu with the “Pain is Nothing” talent equipped;

- Fixed a bug that prevented Butcher’s epic “Khan of the Ashen Shores” skin from being properly displayed on low graphics settings;

- Fixed the death animation for King of the Legion with the epic “Requiem” weapon equipped that played if he was defeated by Sarge’s upper attack triggering his “Revenge for the Fallen” talent.

Jack Bulwark, the Immovable Wall, guardian and hope of the Legionnaires, has acquired a new epic weapon!

Participate in the "Cobra's Black Market" roulette for a chance to add “Temporal Core” to your arsenal!